Portable generators vs zincs

[Serenity]

There was an article in the Boat US magazine that the use of portable generators on boats will cause excessive zinc consumption. Has anyone experienced this condition while using a portable generator? The Yamaha 2000 that I purchased, is called an inverter not a generator. On another note, I have a shaft zinc and a 5" zinc on the rudder, should I zinc up on the tabs?

[jleonard]

What was their theory? Or are there test results/hard data?

[RobS]

First of all, my portable generator does not have a spot for a zinc.
Secondly, you should keep the portable generator out of the water for prolonged life.

[jleonard]

First of all, my portable generator does not have a spot for a zinc.
Secondly, you should keep the portable generator out of the water for prolonged life.

[joreyn]

Here is a link to an article on the overall safety of using portable generators on a boat. It does not address the effect of your zincs, but it mentions some very valid concerns.

I suspect that the impact on zincs is due grounding issues. I understand that some portables have a way to ground them, but I don't know how that works. Your boat undoubtedly has a bonding system which is wired to your zincs. That is to protect against electrolysis eating away at your metal components like your shaft and rudder. The zinc is a sacrificial element that corrodes in place of steel since it is a more "base" metal. A generator that is not specifically designed for and wired for a boat can potentially introduce stray current into the bonding system and greatly increase the erosion of your zincs.

But you know, that would be the least of my worries. More worrisome is CO, fire, etc. to my way of thinking.

[joreyn]

here is the link. Sorry. http://newboatbuilders.com/docs/portable.pdf

[Serenity]

I certainly appreciate all of your comments. I can always count on Rob to offer his expertise. I plan to enclose the generator in a Nema 4X encousure with a snorkel so I can use it underwater while underway. Most larger portable generators have a grounding lug, where a length of 10 or 8 awg wire, even larger wire for 5 kw and above, would be terminated to a ground rod sunk into the earth. Same theory as grounding for pools and the a/c panels in your homes. The only issue that I had with the Albin was if I was able to mount the ground rod through the hull, I would have an insufficient ground when I was in deep water. The ground rod would not be able to touch the bottom while underway. Not a problem when anchored in 3 feet of water. Most ground rods are 8-10 feet. I think I will install the spray rails instead.

[RobS]

....I can always count on Rob to offer his expertise.

John had good reason when he had me moderate the Maintenance forum

....On another note, I have a shaft zinc and a 5" zinc on the rudder, should I zinc up on the tabs?

Are your tabs connected to the bonded system? Likely to the rudder assembly or steering cylinder bracket?

If you wish to drill a hole (or 2 actually), my tab zincs are just fwd of the mounts for the trim tab cylinders. They are the R-3 (3-3/4" Dia.) size.

[jleonard]

Then geround the generator to the anchor chain that should do it.
I read the "blurb" last night in the BOAT US publication. I am not convinced that their comment is valid.
Yes the CO and gasoline stiorage issues are important but they can easily be dealt with to make it safe.